Olympic gold medallist Adrian Moorhouse officially opened a long-awaited swimming pool at a Gerrards Cross boys’ school.

Thorpe House School and Seriously FUN Swimming Schools celebrated the launch of the school’s newly covered and renovated 18-metre swimming pool.

Staff said despite the freezing weather and threat of snow, the event was well attended. Guests included school governors, directors, staff and parents from both Thorpe and Seriously FUN, as well as the senior head boy and a selection of the school’s elite swimmers.

Mr Moorhouse, who lives in Cookham, cut the ribbon and spoke to guests about how the pool will benefit pupils at the school, Seriously FUN customers and the local community. Sean Day, director of sport at Thorpe House School, said he is thrilled with the improved school swimming facilities.

He said: “At Thorpe we have a number of swimmers who compete at a high level; now we can play a much bigger part in their continuing development as we are able to train them throughout the year, whereas before we were only able to train during the summer term.

“Parent feedback has been really positive; those with younger boys are delighted their sons can now enjoy year-round swimming lessons during the school day, in familiar surroundings and with our experienced teachers.

“As PE teachers this also means we can be there at the start of their swimming journey and can identify swimmers that show extraordinary talent, but also those that are less confident and need extra help.”

Seriously FUN approached Thorpe House in 2017 to fund the building of an enclosure to cover the school’s existing outdoor school swimming pool.

Jonathon Madden, owner at Seriously FUN said: “It has been an absolute pleasure working with Thorpe House School. The partnership provides ongoing income for the school by way of a long term hire agreement and secures the pool’s future at a time when many other schools are closing their pools.”